At least 12 people were killed and around 50 injured in two major pile-ups on the Trakia motorway in southeastern Bulgaria this morning. A total of 86 vehicles, including trucks, cars and a bus, were involved in the crashes near the village of Zimnitsa.
The collisions occurred on opposite carriageways of the Sofia–Burgas motorway. According to the Interior Ministry, 63 vehicles were involved in the pile-up on the Burgas-bound carriageway (kilometre 289), while 23 were involved in the opposite direction (kilometre 294). Ten people died at the scene, while two others died from their injuries on the way to hospital. Authorities reported around 50 injuries.
According to initial reports, the first collision occurred when a truck cut off a bus, causing other vehicles to crash into them. All fatalities occurred on the Burgas-bound carriageway. Investigators are examining whether drivers distracted by the crash scene on the opposite side of the motorway contributed to the second pile-up.
Investigators are examining whether drivers distracted by the crash scene on the opposite side of the motorway contributed to the second pile-up.
Sudden dense fog is believed to have been a key factor. According to witnesses, visibility dropped from 70–80 metres to just 10 metres. Police are also investigating the role of the wet road surface and whether drivers were travelling too fast for the conditions.
Traffic was suspended in both directions. Fifteen fire engines, police officers and rescue teams were deployed, while the injured were taken to hospitals in Sliven, Yambol and Burgas.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev cancelled part of his schedule after meeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to travel to the area.
Sources: BGNES News Agency, Associated Press, DW Bulgaria
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